DENVER – A $10,000 donation to assist cattlemen affected by Hurricane Ike has been made by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. Use of the money for feed, water, fencing and other materials will be coordinated by cattlemen’s organizations in Texas and Louisiana.

Serious challenges remain for producers in the two states, especially In the Texas counties of Jefferson and Chambers, as well as in Louisiana Parishes stretching from Cameron to St. Bernard. Among the needs are hay, troughs for fresh water, feed and fencing materials.

In-state relief efforts for cattle producers have been aggressively conducted by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas and the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, as well as the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has also been involved in the effort.

“An important part of the National Cattlemen’s Foundation mission is to assist our fellow producers in their time of crisis. However, our contribution is only a small portion of the need in these areas,” says Bob Josserand, a beef producer from Hereford, Tex., and chair of the National Cattlemen’s Foundation Board of Trustees. “We trust that people from across the country will open their hearts and checkbooks to help these cattlemen save their cattle and their livelihoods.”

Tax-deductible contributions can be made to this relief effort through the National Cattlemen’s Foundation by calling 866-BEEF-USA (866-233-3782) or by visiting the foundation’s Web site at www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org.

Direct contributions of hay, fencing and other supplies are welcome. To make arrangements for hay contributions to Louisiana producers, contact Bob Felknor, executive vice president of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, at 225-343-3491.